Wednesday, December 12, 2012

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - A Teddy Bear toss at Carlson Center has netted toys for Santa's Clearing House.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) held the second annual Teddy Bear Toss during the Nanooks' hockey game against Bowling Green.

Various student-athletes went on ice to collect a large amount of stuffed animals and according to SAAC president Keri Knight, who is also a junior outside hitter for the volleyball team.  She believes this year exceeded last year's total.

"It was a big success," Knight said. "We had a lot of teddy bears thrown on the ice. We filled about 12 big trash bags full of teddy bears."

At the inaugural event last year, the Nanooks had the same number of filled trash bags, but this year saw many more smaller stuffed animals that will benefit more children. 

"Last year, we had a lot of bigger teddy bears, so it filled a lot more of the trash bag," Knight said. "This year, we had a lot smaller, so I feel this year we're going to be able to give more teddy bears to children."

All of the stuffed animals will be sent over to Santa's Clearing House once again this holiday season.